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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT RINNAL GROWING MEDIA

How do I save water with RINNAL?

As RINNAL greatly improves the water-holding ability of the soil or potting mix, you'll use up to 50% less water, depending on conditions and plant species, and growth will be healthier. 

How does RINNAL work?

RINNAL is a lightweight but very stable, sponge-like substance that makes the perfect growing media for all your plants. It is composed of organic elements. It has an open cell structure creating excellent water absorption capacity and air permeability, which ensures great air and water management for your plants. This leads to improved water and nutrient absorption by seeds and plants, which results in excellent germination and root development. 

Why use RINNAL?

RINNAL can be mixed with gardening or potting soil to significantly increase the quality of your soil. This provides room for roots to grow and ensures they have access to water. The results are healthy lush plants. 

Can I use RINNAL with hard-to-wet soil?

Yes. RINNAL is a perfect solution to hard-to-wet soils. When water comes into contact with RINNAL it is absorbed instantly and then slowly releases to the soil, reducing run-off loss.

Will I need less fertilizer?

Yes. Nutrients are absorbed into the open cell structure of RINNAL and are gradually released, rather than washing away, so up to 25% less fertilizer is needed.

Will my plants become waterlogged?

No. RINNAL always retains air space within its foam structure, preventing waterlogging and rotting of plant roots. This air space also reduces soil compaction in the root zone. 

Is RINNAL biodegradable and environmentally safe?

Yes. RINNAL breaks down into carbon and nitrogen in the soil over a 10 year period. As it is sterile and inert, RINNAL will not change the chemical balance (e.g. the pH) of your soil. RINNAL is also perfectly  safe to use in your vegetable garden. 

How much RINNAL do I need to use?

For best results, use 1 part RINNAL to 2 parts soil or potting mix. Always blend thoroughly. 

What can I expect to see from plants growing in RINNAL?

The initial 0-14 days the plant may look like it is sitting still. In this time the plant is furiously putting down roots into the RINNAL. You will then see the plant explode in growth. 

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Is RINNAL suitable for hydroponics?

 RINNAL has been developed to be used as 100% hydroponic growing media on its own, but can be mixed with perlite, stonewool, coco coir and even clayballs.

How do I plant an advanced plant into a pot of RINNAL?

Most advanced plants are grown in stonewool cubes/blocks or RINNAL. With stonewool it is very important that you place the cube/block on top of the RINNAL or only slightly into it, i.e. 5 mm.

What hydroponic system can I use RINNAL in?

 RINNAL will work perfectly in a dripper or hand watered run to waste system.

Will RINNAL work in a recirculating system?

Yes. It will work in a dripper, or ebb and flow recirculating system.

Do I need to prepare RINNAL before planting in a hydroponic system?

Ideally yes. It does not matter whether you are running to waste or recirculating, it is best to run just water through the system for 24 hours. At the end of this period dump this water and start with a 1/4 or 1/2 strength nutrient solution.

Does RINNAL have any nutritional value?

No. There are no added nutrients in RINNAL.

When using a recirculating hydroponic system, do I need to do anything different?

RINNAL has a combination of particle sizes. It is best to place a pot sock or a stocking in your pot to stop these fines. In addition, it is better if you  can place a filter over your pump intake. With recirculating for 24 hours you will greatly reduce the amount of fines. 

What irrigation regime should I use in a dripper system after 14 days?

RINNAL is very flexible because it holds a lot of water and air, but still flushes and drains well. 

Anyone switching from stonewool should not have to change a thing. The old adage little and often works well. 

Switching from coir. After the initial 14 day period and as the roots get down into the RINNAL, RINNAL is far more tolerant to greater amounts of water than coir. 

Switching from clay balls and perlite is a bit more dramatic. They both hold less water and so they are watered more often. 

In summary, RINNAL can be watered a range of ways from once every 1-2 days to a number of small watering's throughout the day. RINNAL does not require a large volume of water 3-4 or more times a day, all things being equal regarding, environment, pot and plant size.

What irrigation regime should I use in an ebb and flow system after 14 days?

RINNAL is a denser product than either clay balls or stonewool. This means that RINNAL relies on capillary action to move the water upwards. You may have to initially flood the tray for longer and to a higher level. However, you will probably only have to do this once per day. Always pull back on the watering initially. You can always increase it if necessary later.

What irrigation regime do I use in the first 0-14 days after planting the advanced plant?

A lot depends on the environment, but because RINNAL holds a large amount of water you are better to water slightly less for this period. If the RINNAL starts to dry out you can slowly increase the amount of water either by volume per cycle or the number of cycles.